How to Download and Repair _default.pif (3 Step Guide)

Last Updated: 11/25/2023
[Time to Read Article: 5 minutes]

Program Information files such as _default.pif utilize the PIF file extension. This file is considered a Script (Program Information) file, and was first created by Microsoft for the Windows 10 software package.

The release of _default.pif introduced for Windows was on 10/25/2001 in Windows XP. The most recent release for Windows 10 launched on 07/29/2015 [version 10 release]. _default.pif is found in Windows 10, Windows XP, and Windows 8.1.

Please continue reading to find your correct _default.pif file version download (free), detailed file information, and PIF file troubleshooting instructions.

File Analysis Provided by Jason Geater (Author)


Recommended Download: Fix _default.pif / Windows-related registry issues with WinThruster.

Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP and 2000

Average User Rating

 

Optional Offer for WinThruster by Solvusoft
| EULA | Privacy Policy | Terms | Uninstall


File Overview


General Information
File Name: _default.pif
File Extension: PIF file extension
File Type: Script
Description: Program Information
User Popularity Rating:
 
Developer and Software Information
Software Program: Windows 10
Developer: Microsoft
Software: Windows
Software Version: 10
File Details
File Size (Bytes): 707
Oldest File Date: 04/14/2008
Latest File Date: 03/18/2017


What are _default.pif Error Messages?


General _default.pif Runtime Errors

_default.pif file errors often occur during the startup phase of Windows, but can also occur while the program is running. These types PIF errors are also known as “runtime errors” because they occur while Windows is running. Here are some of the most common _default.pif runtime errors:

Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library

Runtime Error!

Program: C:\Windows\_default.pif

This application has requested the Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way.
Please contact the application's support team for more information.


Most PIF errors are due to missing or corrupt files. Your _default.pif file could be missing due to accidental deletion, uninstalled as a shared file of another program (shared with Windows), or deleted by a malware infection. Furthermore, _default.pif file corruption could be caused from a power outage when loading Windows, system crash while loading or saving _default.pif, bad sectors on your storage media (usually your primary hard drive), or malware infection. Thus, it’s critical to make sure your anti-virus is kept up-to-date and scanning regularly.



How to Fix _default.pif Errors in 3 Steps (Time to complete: ~5-15 minutes)

If you're encountering one of the error messages above, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve your _default.pif issue. These troubleshooting steps are listed in the recommended order of execution.


Step 1: Restore your PC back to the latest restore point, "snapshot", or backup image before error occurred.

To begin System Restore (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

  1. Hit the Windows Start button
  2. When you see the search box, type "System Restore" and press "ENTER".
  3. In the search results, find and click System Restore.
  4. Please enter the administrator password (if applicable / prompted).
  5. Follow the steps in the System Restore Wizard to choose a relevant restore point.
  6. Restore your computer to that backup image.

If the Step 1 fails to resolve the _default.pif error, please proceed to the Step 2 below.

Step 2: Run SFC (System File Checker) to restore the corrupt or missing _default.pif file.

System File Checker is a utility included with every Windows version that allows you scan and restore corrupted system files. Use the SFC tool to fix missing or corrupt _default.pif files (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

  1. Hit the Windows Start button
  2. In the search box, type "cmd" but DO NOT PRESS "ENTER".
  3. Press and hold "CTRL-Shift" on your keyboard while pressing "ENTER".
  4. You'll be prompted with a permission dialog box.
  5. In the box, click "YES".
  6. You should have a black screen with a blinking cursor.
  7. In that black screen, type "sfc /scannow" and hit "ENTER".
  8. SFC will begin scanning for _default.pif issues and any other system file problems.
  9. Follow any on-screen commands to complete the process.

Please be aware that this scan might take a while, so please be patient while it is working.

If this Step 2 fails as well, please proceed to the Step 3 below.

sfc /scannow

Step 3: Perform a Windows Update.

When the first two steps haven't solved your issue, it might be a good idea to run Windows Update. Many _default.pif error messages that are encountered can be contributed to an outdated Windows Operating System. To run Windows Update, please follow these easy steps:

  1. Hit the Windows Start button
  2. In the search box, type "Update" and press "ENTER".
  3. In the Windows Update dialog box, click "Check for Updates" (or similar button depending on your Windows version)
  4. If updates are available for download, click "Install Updates".
  5. After the update is completed, restart your PC.

If Windows Update failed to resolve the _default.pif error message, please proceed to next step. Please note that this final step is recommended for advanced PC users only.



If Those Steps Fail: Download and Replace Your _default.pif File (Caution: Advanced)

If none of the previous three troubleshooting steps have resolved your issue, you can try a more aggressive approach (Note: Not recommended for amateur PC users) by downloading and replacing your appropriate _default.pif file version. We maintain a comprehensive database of 100% malware-free _default.pif files for every applicable version of Windows. Please follow the steps below to download and properly replace you file:

  1. Locate your Windows operating system version in the list of below "Download _default.pif Files".
  2. Click the appropriate "Download Now" button and download your Windows file version.
  3. Copy the file into the appropriate directory for your Windows version:

  4. Windows XP: C:\Windows\
    Windows 8: C:\Windows\
    Windows 8.1: C:\Windows\
    Windows 10: C:\Windows\
  5. Restart your computer.

If this final step has failed and you're still encountering the error, you're only remaining option is to do a clean installation of Windows 10.


GEEK TIP : We must emphasize that reinstalling Windows will be a very time-consuming and advanced task to resolve _default.pif problems. To avoid data loss, you must be sure that you have backed-up all of your important documents, pictures, software installers, and other personal data before beginning the process. If you are not currently backing up your data, you need to do so immediately.



Download _default.pif Files (Malware-Tested 100% Clean)


CAUTION : We strongly advise against downloading and copying _default.pif to your appropriate Windows system directory. Microsoft typically does not release Windows PIF files for download because they are bundled together inside of a software installer. The installer's task is to ensure that all correct verifications have been made before installing and placing _default.pif and all other PIF files for Windows. An incorrectly installed PIF file may create system instability and could cause your program or operating system to stop functioning altogether. Proceed with caution.

Windows 10
Windows XP
Windows 8.1
Windows 8


Files Related to _default.pif


PIF Files Related to _default.pif

File Name Description Software Program (Version) File Size (bytes) File Location
_default.pif Program Information Windows XP 707 C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\WMI\RtBackup\
_default.pif Program Information Windows 8 707 C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\WMI\RtBackup\
_default.pif Program Information Windows 8.1 707 C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\WMI\RtBackup\
_default.pif Program Information Windows 10 707 C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\WMI\RtBackup\

Other Files Related to _default.pif

File Name Description Software Program (Version) File Size (bytes) File Location
OneX_v1.xsd XML Schema Definition Windows 8 5957 C:\Windows\L2Schemas\
OneX_v1.xsd XML Schema Definition Windows 8.1 5957 C:\Windows\L2Schemas\
WWAN_profile_v1.xsd XML Schema Definition Windows 7 6201 C:\Windows\L2Schemas\
WWAN_profile_v1.xsd XML Schema Definition Windows 8 6201 C:\Windows\L2Schemas\
WLAN_profile_v1.xsd XML Schema Definition Windows 7 15591 C:\Windows\L2Schemas\


RocketPC

Optional Offer for WinThruster by Solvusoft | EULA | Privacy Policy | Terms | Uninstall


Browse Other File Extensions in Alphabetical Order :   # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

You are downloading trial software. The purchase of a one-year software subscription at the price of $29.97 USD is required to unlock all software features. Subscription auto-renews at the end of the term (Learn more). By clicking the "Start Download" button above and installing "Software", I acknowledge I have read and agree to the Solvusoft End User License Agreement and Privacy Policy.